Overview of Hebrews 5:11–6:20

Our preacher has introduced the sermon’s central motif, Jesus’ ministry as “high priest after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 5:6, 10), a topic about which he has “much to say” (5:11). But before he explains why the priesthood patterned after Melchizedek is better than that of Aaron, the author pauses to issue a blunt rebuke to his hearers for their “dull” ears and immature spiritual appetite, which complicate his teaching task. He urges them to grow up in faith. The boundaries of this exhortation section are signaled by the mention of “a high priest after the order of Melchizedek” at its beginning (5:10) and end (6:20).

The exhortation comes in two phases. The first phase (5:11–6:12) opens and closes with nōthros (“dull” in 5:11; “sluggish” in 6:12). Its tone is primarily negative, rebuking immaturity and warning against apostasy. We will examine this first phase in two installments: a summons to grow up (5:11–6:3) and a terrifying warning against apostasy, accompanied by a word of reassurance (6:4–12).

The second phase of the exhortation (6:13–20) springs from the mention of exemplars of persevering faith (6:12), among whom Abraham is prominent. Abraham’s history motivates hearers by focusing on the oath by which God guaranteed his promises to Abraham and others “who have fled for refuge” to God’s care (6:16). The mention of Abraham and the motif of oath converge to bring the discussion back to Melchizedek (6:20), the patriarch’s priestly mediator (7:1–10) and the pattern for a superior priestly order, secured by God’s oath (7:11–28).